The Environment Report
Encyclopedia
The Environment Report is a show produced and syndicated by Michigan Radio
(WUOM) in Ann Arbor, Michigan
.
, Michigan Public Radio, and the Superior Radio Network partnered together to develop the structure for a weekly news service. The goal was to establish a news feed of high-quality environmental features that could be inserted into the local news programming of public radio stations.
In September 1995, The Environment Report's predecessor, the Great Lakes Radio Consortium (GLRC), produced its first environmental news feed for public radio stations. At that time the news service was based at the studios of Michigan Public Radio in East Lansing, MI and was carried by 23 stations.
In April, 1996, the news service moved to the studios of Michigan Radio in Ann Arbor. By the end of 1996, 50 stations were carrying the service.
Since 1996, The Environment Report's producers have also improved public radio reporting systemwide by providing training to more than 100 mid-career public radio producers. This training has been led by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation veteran, David Candow.
In 1997, the GLRC began to be noticed around the country after winning 8 national awards. These awards led to greater station carriage as well as more participation from station-based producers.
Two years later, The Environment Report's producers embarked on a new effort - transitioning
the weekly news service into a daily news service. As part of that effort, a daily four-minute show was developed with assistance from Jim Russell
(creator of Marketplace
) and public radio program directors and news directors around the country.
('00 MS in Environmental Policy and Planning & '91 BA in Political Science). He has worked in public radio since 1998.
's School of Natural Resources & Environment
. She’s won several national awards for her work including a first place National Headliner Award at the network level for her stories on the emerald ash borer
.
Michigan Associated Press, Best Investigative News Story:
Sierra Club Environmental Journalism Awards:
Heart of America Award, American Legion Auxiliary, Honorable Mention:
Prindi Awards (Public Radio News Directors, Inc.), Best Commentary – Editorial:
National Headliner Awards, Press Club of Atlantic City, Best Feature or Human Interest Story – Second Place:
Unity Awards in Media, Lincoln University of Missouri, Best Reporting of Economics:
Unity Awards in Media, Lincoln University of Missouri, Best Reporting of Politics:
American Women in Radio and Television, Gracie Allen Awards, Best News Feature:
American Women in Radio and Television, Gracie Allen Awards, Best Work Produced by Women:
American Women in Radio and Television, Gracie Allen Awards, Best Editorial:
Northwest Broadcast News Association Awards, First Place, Best Audio, All Markets:
Northwest Broadcast News Association Awards, First Place, General Reporting, Large Market:
Northwest Broadcast News Association Awards, Merit Award, Spot News, Large Market:
Wisconsin Associated Press, First Place, best Audio, Large Market:
Wisconsin Associated Press, First Place, General Reporting, Large Market:
Wisconsin Associated Press, First Place, Spot News, Large Market:
Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, First Place, Best Audio, Large Market:
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Broadcasting Excellence Awards, Best Use of Medium:
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Broadcasting Excellence Awards, Best Public Affairs Programming:
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Broadcasting Excellence Awards, Merit Award for Feature:
Michigan Associated Press, Best Individual Reporting:
Michigan Associated Press, Best Natural Sound:
Michigan Associated Press, Honorable Mention:
Illinois Associated Press Broadcaster’s Association Journalistic Excellence, Best Reporter:
Michigan Sportsmen Association, Environmental Journalism Award:
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Broadcast Excellence Awards, Merit Award for Environmental Reporting:
Michigan Education Association, School Bell Awards, Best Radio Feature:
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best use of Natural Sound:
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best Individual Reporting:
Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Page One Awards, First Place, Feature Category:
Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Page One Awards, Third Place, In-Depth Reporting:
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best News Documentary:
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Excellence in Individual Reporting:
Michigan Associated Press Awards, best Sports Feature:
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best Feature Story, Honorable Mention:
Michigan Education Association, School Bell Awards, Best Radio Feature:
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Broadcast Excellence Awards, Merit Award for Environmental Reporting:
The New York Festivals, Radio Production, Silver Medalist – Environmental Issues:
Association for Women Journalists, Finalist:
The New York Festivals, Radio Production Awards, Finalist – Education Issues:
American Legion Auxiliary “Heart of America” Awards, Finalist:
National Headliner Award, First Place, Investigative Reporting:
Michigan Associated Press Awards, best Feature Story:
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best Enterprise/Investigative Reporting:
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best Sports Feature Story:
Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Journalists, Page One Awards, First Place, Investigative Reporting:
Minnesota Associated Press Broadcaster’s Achievement Awards, Best Feature – Honorable Mention:
Ottawa County Farm Bureau, Ag Communicatory of the Year Award:
American Legion Auxiliary’s Heart of America Awards, Finalist:
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Best Mini-Documentary/Series:
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Best Special Interest Programming:
Michigan Associated Press, Best Feature Story:
Michigan Associated Press, Best Sports Feature Story:
Michigan Associated Press, Best Enterprise/Investigative Reporting:
Michigan Education Association, School Bell Awards, Best Radio Features:
New York Festivals, Finalist: Best New Analysis or Commentary:
New York Festivals, Bronze Medalist: Best Sound:
Public Radio News Directors, Inc (PRNDI), First Place, Commentary:
Public Radio News Directors, Inc (PRNDI), Second Place, Hard Feature:
Michigan Associated Press, Best Enterprise/Investigative Story:
Michigan Associated Press:
Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, best Use of Audio:
Society of Environmental Journalists, Third Place, Outstanding Beat Reporting – Radio:
Society of Environmental Journalists, Second Place – Outstanding Radio Reporting, Large Market:
National Headliner Awards, Feature, Human Interest Story or News Service:
PRNDI (Public Radio News Directors Inc) Division A:
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Feature/Use of Medium:
Public Radio News Directors, Enterprise/Investigative – First Place:
Society of Environmental Journalists Awards, Outstanding Beat, In-Depth Radio – Third Place:
Michigan Radio
Michigan Radio is a network of three public radio stations operated by the University of Michigan through its broadcasting arm, Michigan Public Media. The station is a founding member of National Public Radio and an affiliate of Public Radio International and American Public Media...
(WUOM) in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Washtenaw County. The 2010 census places the population at 113,934, making it the sixth largest city in Michigan. The Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 344,791 as of 2010...
.
Mission
The Environment Report's (TER) mission is to be a news service committed to revealing the relationship between the natural world and the everyday lives of people.1993-2006: Great Lakes Radio Consortium
The Environment Report was established to increase environmental coverage by public radio stations. In 1993, a group of public radio outlets began planning a regional environmental news service that would redefine environmental reporting in the Upper Midwest. National Public Radio's Living on EarthLiving on Earth
Living on Earth is a weekly, hour-long and award-winning environmental news program distributed by Public Radio International.Hosted by Steve Curwood, the program features interviews and commentary on a broad range of ecological issues, exploring how humans interact with their landscape. The show...
, Michigan Public Radio, and the Superior Radio Network partnered together to develop the structure for a weekly news service. The goal was to establish a news feed of high-quality environmental features that could be inserted into the local news programming of public radio stations.
In September 1995, The Environment Report's predecessor, the Great Lakes Radio Consortium (GLRC), produced its first environmental news feed for public radio stations. At that time the news service was based at the studios of Michigan Public Radio in East Lansing, MI and was carried by 23 stations.
In April, 1996, the news service moved to the studios of Michigan Radio in Ann Arbor. By the end of 1996, 50 stations were carrying the service.
Since 1996, The Environment Report's producers have also improved public radio reporting systemwide by providing training to more than 100 mid-career public radio producers. This training has been led by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation veteran, David Candow.
In 1997, the GLRC began to be noticed around the country after winning 8 national awards. These awards led to greater station carriage as well as more participation from station-based producers.
2006-Present: The Environment Report
In the summer of 2006, the GLRC became known as The Environment Report. The name change reflected the organization's expanding list of participating stations as well as its expanded coverage of environmental issues.Two years later, The Environment Report's producers embarked on a new effort - transitioning
the weekly news service into a daily news service. As part of that effort, a daily four-minute show was developed with assistance from Jim Russell
Jim Russell (journalist)
James B. Russell is an award-winning journalist, producer and executive who has created successful national programs for all three public radio networks: National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media, as well as for PBS. His experience encompasses more than thirty...
(creator of Marketplace
Marketplace (radio program)
Marketplace is a radio program that focuses on business, the economy, and events that influence them. Hosted by Kai Ryssdal, the show is produced and distributed by American Public Media, in association with the University of Southern California...
) and public radio program directors and news directors around the country.
Structure
The Environment Report is a syndicated public radio show hosted by Lester Graham. In addition to the daily show, The Environment Report produces a stand-alone feature and spot news reports every weekday. The service is carried by public stations across country.Lester Graham
Lester Graham is Host and Senior Editor of The Environment Report. He has been a board member of the Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, a member of the Radio-Television News Directors, President of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association and Vice-President of the Saint Louis Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He is also a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists.Mark Brush
Mark Brush is The Environment Report's Senior Producer. He oversees the overall editorial direction and day-to-day operations of the daily environmental news service along with Senior Editor, Lester Graham. He's won several national awards for his environmental reporting and editing. Brush is a graduate of the University of MichiganUniversity of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
('00 MS in Environmental Policy and Planning & '91 BA in Political Science). He has worked in public radio since 1998.
Rebecca Williams
Rebecca Williams is a reporter and producer for The Environment Report. She also fills in as host whenever Lester Graham is unable to host the show. Rebecca has a natural science degree from the University of MichiganUniversity of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
's School of Natural Resources & Environment
University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment
The School of Natural Resources and Environment was originally founded as the School of Forestry in 1927. Although originally housed in the Kraus Building, it is now housed in the S.T. Dana Building. SNRE provides graduate-level degrees at the doctorate and master's levels...
. She’s won several national awards for her work including a first place National Headliner Award at the network level for her stories on the emerald ash borer
Emerald ash borer
The emerald ash borer is a green beetle native to Asia.In North America the borer is an invasive species, highly destructive to ash trees in its introduced range. The potential damage of this insect rivals that of Chestnut blight and Dutch Elm Disease...
.
Matthew Grocoff
Lester Graham has been working with Greenovation.TV host Matt Grocoff on an ongoing series as Matt has worked to make his own home the oldest net zero energy home in America and Michigan's first net zero house . Matt takes Lester to retail stores, visits with other homeowners and shares the story of his 110 year old Ann Arbor home and shares tips on how to make homes more comfortable, healthy and energy efficient.Stations That Play The Environment Report
The Environment Report is played on over 100 stations nation-wide. To see a complete list of stations that carry the show, please refer to: http://www.environmentreport.org/stations/1996
Northwest Broadcast News Association, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, Best Series:- International Joint Commission Biennial Meeting
Michigan Associated Press, Best Investigative News Story:
- Incinerator Sited in Minority Neighborhood
Sierra Club Environmental Journalism Awards:
- Producer: Joan Silvi Michigan Public Radio - East Lansing, MI
- Producer: Craig Fahle Michigan Public Radio - East Lansing, MI
- Producer: Gretchen Millich WKAR - East Lansing, MI
1997
Gabriel Awards, UNDA-USA:- Girl’s Garden
- Hunters Against Hunger
Heart of America Award, American Legion Auxiliary, Honorable Mention:
- Girl’s Garden
Prindi Awards (Public Radio News Directors, Inc.), Best Commentary – Editorial:
- Paving over Nature
National Headliner Awards, Press Club of Atlantic City, Best Feature or Human Interest Story – Second Place:
- Club Prophylactive
Unity Awards in Media, Lincoln University of Missouri, Best Reporting of Economics:
- Heartside Development
Unity Awards in Media, Lincoln University of Missouri, Best Reporting of Politics:
- Operation Silver Shovel
American Women in Radio and Television, Gracie Allen Awards, Best News Feature:
- Girl’s Garden
American Women in Radio and Television, Gracie Allen Awards, Best Work Produced by Women:
- Infant Massage
American Women in Radio and Television, Gracie Allen Awards, Best Editorial:
- Paving Over Nature
Northwest Broadcast News Association Awards, First Place, Best Audio, All Markets:
- Return of the Trumpeter Swan
Northwest Broadcast News Association Awards, First Place, General Reporting, Large Market:
- Toxic Train Blockage
Northwest Broadcast News Association Awards, Merit Award, Spot News, Large Market:
- Civil Disobedience at Project Elf
Wisconsin Associated Press, First Place, best Audio, Large Market:
- Return of the Trumpeter Swan
Wisconsin Associated Press, First Place, General Reporting, Large Market:
- Toxic Train Blockage
Wisconsin Associated Press, First Place, Spot News, Large Market:
- Civil Disobedience at Project Elf
Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, First Place, Best Audio, Large Market:
- Return of the Trumpeter Swan
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Broadcasting Excellence Awards, Best Use of Medium:
- Girl’s Garden
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Broadcasting Excellence Awards, Best Public Affairs Programming:
- Great Lakes Radio Consortium
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Broadcasting Excellence Awards, Merit Award for Feature:
- Heartside Development
Michigan Associated Press, Best Individual Reporting:
- Wendy Nelson
Michigan Associated Press, Best Natural Sound:
- Three Brothers Shipwreck
Michigan Associated Press, Honorable Mention:
- Snail Man
Illinois Associated Press Broadcaster’s Association Journalistic Excellence, Best Reporter:
- Rob Schober
Michigan Sportsmen Association, Environmental Journalism Award:
- Hunter’s Against Hunger
1998
New York Festivals, Radio Production Awards, Finalist – Business/Consumer Issues:- Synthetic Wine Corks Popping Up All Over
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Broadcast Excellence Awards, Merit Award for Environmental Reporting:
- There Could Be an Oil Tank Buried in Your Yard
- Fertility Drugs and Population Control
- Synthetic Wine Corks Popping Up All Over
- Football Trash Talking
Michigan Education Association, School Bell Awards, Best Radio Feature:
- Digging Up the Regions Past
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best use of Natural Sound:
- Compost Man
- Endangered Foghorns
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best Individual Reporting:
- Synthetic Wine Corks Popping Up All Over
- Inland Shrimp Farmer Grows Up
Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Page One Awards, First Place, Feature Category:
- Rare Plant Finder
Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Page One Awards, Third Place, In-Depth Reporting:
- Reducing Mercury in Wastewater
1999
The New York Festivals, Radio Production Awards, Silver Medalist – Environmental Program:- Light Pollution – A “Glowing” Problem
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best News Documentary:
- A Mother’s Crusade
- Federal Policy Spurs Clean-Up
- Getting the Lead Out of Home Renovations
- Unique Treatment Program Makes Progress
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Excellence in Individual Reporting:
- Great Lakes CD-ROM
- Global Worming
Michigan Associated Press Awards, best Sports Feature:
- The Dare-Devil Sport of Luge
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best Feature Story, Honorable Mention:
- Light Pollution – A “Glowing” Problem
Michigan Education Association, School Bell Awards, Best Radio Feature:
- Great Lakes CD-ROM
- Floating Classroom Promotes Science
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Broadcast Excellence Awards, Merit Award for Environmental Reporting:
- Jet-Ski Controversy
- Julia of the Jungle
- A Mother’s Crusade
- Federal Policy Spurs Clean-Up
- The Horse Whisperer
2000
The Clarion Awards, Best Radio Feature Story – Public Radio:- Legacy Left by Cormorant Slaughter (Part 2)
The New York Festivals, Radio Production, Silver Medalist – Environmental Issues:
- Legacy Left by Cormorant Slaughter (Part 2)
Association for Women Journalists, Finalist:
- Polio Vaccine Under Fire
The New York Festivals, Radio Production Awards, Finalist – Education Issues:
- The Road-Kill Lesson Plan
American Legion Auxiliary “Heart of America” Awards, Finalist:
- Polio Vaccine Under Fire
National Headliner Award, First Place, Investigative Reporting:
- Potato Farms Create ‘Super-Sized’ Problem (Part 1)
- Potato Farms Create ‘Super-Sized’ Problem (Part 2)<
Michigan Associated Press Awards, best Feature Story:
- The Road-Kill Lesson Plan
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best Enterprise/Investigative Reporting:
- Golf Course Erodes Support (Part 1)
- Gold Course Drives Legislation (Part 2)
Michigan Associated Press Awards, Best Sports Feature Story:
- The Tradition of Sturgeon Spearing
Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Journalists, Page One Awards, First Place, Investigative Reporting:
- Potato Farms Create ‘Super-Sized’ Problem (Part 1)
- Potato Farms Create ‘Super-Sized’ Problem (Part 2)
Minnesota Associated Press Broadcaster’s Achievement Awards, Best Feature – Honorable Mention:
- City Ignites Green Space
Ottawa County Farm Bureau, Ag Communicatory of the Year Award:
- Wendy Nelson
2001
American Legion Auxiliary’s Heart of American Awards, First Place:- Drug Courts Try to End Cycle of Abuse (Part 1)
- Are Drug Courts the Best Approach? (Part 2)
American Legion Auxiliary’s Heart of America Awards, Finalist:
- Race Day for Women’s War Canoe
- Combating Asthma with Education (Part 1)
- Tracking Asthma in Urban Children (Part 2)
- Activities May Ease Alzheimer’s Disease (Part 1)
- Alzheimer’s Patients Take Up Gardening (Part 2)
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Best Mini-Documentary/Series:
- Drug Courts Try to End Cycle of Abuse (Part 1)
- Are Drug Courts the Best Approach? (Part 2)
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Best Special Interest Programming:
- Trumpeter Swans on the Rebound
- Treasure in Toronto Trash?
- Meth Labs Put Environment At Risk (Part 2)
Michigan Associated Press, Best Feature Story:
- Drug Courts Try to End Cycle of Abuse (Part 1)
Michigan Associated Press, Best Sports Feature Story:
- Youth Rodeo on the Rise
Michigan Associated Press, Best Enterprise/Investigative Reporting:
- Plutonium Shipment Outrages Activists
Michigan Education Association, School Bell Awards, Best Radio Features:
- Helping Teens Kick the Habit
- Operation Lice Be Gone
- Kids Pluck Lessons from Business
2002
RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award, Best Use of Sound:- Mallard Ducks on the Decline
New York Festivals, Finalist: Best New Analysis or Commentary:
- No Such Thing as a just War
New York Festivals, Bronze Medalist: Best Sound:
- Mallard Ducks on the Decline
Public Radio News Directors, Inc (PRNDI), First Place, Commentary:
- Commentary – The Naked Truth
Public Radio News Directors, Inc (PRNDI), Second Place, Hard Feature:
- Mallard Ducks on the Decline
Michigan Associated Press, Best Enterprise/Investigative Story:
- Keeping Resources Safe from Terrorism
Michigan Associated Press:
- Huck Finn Rides Again
- Mallard Ducks on the Decline
- Increasing Water Supply Safety
2003
American Institute of biological Sciences, Honorable Mention:- Unraveling Mystery of Birds’ Night Calls
Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, best Use of Audio:
- Fishing Relics Fading Away
Society of Environmental Journalists, Third Place, Outstanding Beat Reporting – Radio:
- Raging Grannies Take to the Streets
- Environmental Cloak and Dagger
- Bike Commuters Coast Through Winter Weather
2004
Michigan Association of Broadcaster Broadcast Excellence Awards Merit Award Feature/Use of Sound:- Apples Alone Not Enough for Many Orchard Owners
2005
National Headliner Awards:- Midwest Fertilizer use Causing Gulf Dead Zone?
- Government Aims to remedy Gulf “Dead Zone”
- Action Plan Not Enough to Shrink Gulf “Dead Zone”
Society of Environmental Journalists, Second Place – Outstanding Radio Reporting, Large Market:
- How Long Do You Keep a Polluting Heap?
- Containing Chronic Wasting Disease
- Packrats Hooked on Freecycling
2006
National Headliner Awards, Breaking News or Continuing Coverage of a Single News Event:- Ten Threats; Hidden Costs of Invasives
National Headliner Awards, Feature, Human Interest Story or News Service:
- Up Close and Personal with a Prairie Fire
PRNDI (Public Radio News Directors Inc) Division A:
- How Long Do You Keep a Polluting Heap?
2007
National Headliner Award, First Place, Continuing Coverage:- States Struggle to Control Ash Borer
- Ash Borer Devastates Nursery Industry
- Easing the Ash Borer’s Financial Bite
- Firewood Fuels Ash Borer Problem
Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Feature/Use of Medium:
- Roots of the Great Lakes Fishery
2008
Society of Environmental Journalists, Outstanding Story, Radio – Third Place:- Frogs: A Love Story
Public Radio News Directors, Enterprise/Investigative – First Place:
- Sex Toy Safety
2009
National Headliner Awards, News Series – Third Place:- Big Nuke Company Seeks CO2 Cuts
- Part 1: Stuck with Old Nuke Plants
- Part II: Stuck with Old Nuke Plants
Society of Environmental Journalists Awards, Outstanding Beat, In-Depth Radio – Third Place:
- Big Nuke Company Seeks CO2 Cuts
- Part 1: Stuck with Old Nuke Plants
- Part II: Stuck with Old Nuke Plants